This foolproof Homemade Salted Caramel recipe is so easy to make and only uses 5 ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling on top of desserts like ice cream, brownies, and cheesecake!
WHAT YOU NEED granulated sugar unsalted butter heavy cream vanilla extract kosher salt
1. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature. Also heat the cream in the microwave for at least 1 minute to warm up. This is very important! 2. Measure out all of your ingredients and set them next to your stovetop. 3. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the sugar and melt down over medium heat.
4. Stir occasionally at first, as it will take a few minutes (longer if using an electric stovetop) to see any changes in the sugar. As clumps start to form, stir constantly until it’s completely melted down.
5. Once melted, depending on if you used a gas or electric stove top, the sugar should either by a rich amber color or a light golden. If it’s rich amber, remove from heat and move on to the next step. If it’s lighter in color, stop stirring and allow it to caramelize and darken. It will only take 1-2 minutes for it to turn that rich amber color. Don’t step away from the stove as this happens quickly.
6. Take the pot off the burner and quickly whisk in the butter all at once. Whisk for about 30 seconds (it may not fully combine and that’s OK).
7. Quickly pour in the heavy cream and whisk again. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and fluid. 8. Finally, whisk in the vanilla and sea salt.